The Unexpected Lives Of Tom Hanks' Sons: A Deep Dive Into Colin, Chet, And Truman's Current Projects And Controversies

Few families in Hollywood carry the weight of legacy quite like the Hanks clan, and as of late December 2025, the spotlight on Tom Hanks’ children—especially his three sons—is brighter than ever, fueled by new high-profile projects and, in one case, persistent viral controversy. The public’s curiosity about how Colin, Chet, and Truman navigate their father’s colossal shadow continues to drive headlines, revealing three distinct and often surprising career paths.

The latest updates show that while one son is cementing his status as a respected director and actor in 2025, another is leveraging his controversial reputation for career momentum, and the youngest is quietly building a dual career both in front of and behind the camera. This article provides a fresh, in-depth look at the current lives and careers of Tom Hanks’ sons, and his only daughter, Elizabeth Ann Hanks.

Tom Hanks' Children: A Complete Profile and Latest Updates

Tom Hanks has four children from two marriages: two with his first wife, Samantha Lewes, and two with his current wife, Rita Wilson. Each has carved out a unique space in the entertainment and media landscape.

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• Colin Hanks (Son)
  • Full Name: Colin Lewes Dillingham (later Hanks)
  • Born: November 24, 1977 (48 years old as of late 2025)
  • Mother: Samantha Lewes (Tom Hanks' first wife)
  • Known For: Acting roles in *Orange County*, *King Kong*, *Fargo* (TV series), and directing the John Candy documentary.
  • Current Status (2025): Highly active as an actor and director with major projects slated for release.
• Elizabeth Ann Hanks (Daughter)
  • Full Name: Elizabeth Ann Hanks
  • Born: May 17, 1982 (43 years old as of late 2025)
  • Mother: Samantha Lewes
  • Known For: Writer and journalist, contributing to publications like *The New York Times* and *Vanity Fair*.
  • Current Status: Active writer and editor, using the pen name E. A. Hanks.
• Chester 'Chet' Marlon Hanks (Son)
  • Full Name: Chester Marlon Hanks
  • Born: August 4, 1990 (35 years old as of late 2025)
  • Mother: Rita Wilson (Tom Hanks' second wife)
  • Known For: Actor, musician (as Chet Haze), and viral personality known for controversial statements and the "White Boy Summer" phrase.
  • Current Status: Acting and music career, often associated with viral controversies and social media presence.
• Truman Theodore Hanks (Son)
  • Full Name: Truman Theodore Hanks
  • Born: December 26, 1995 (29 years old as of late 2025)
  • Mother: Rita Wilson
  • Known For: Cinematographer and actor, often working in crew roles before his acting debut.
  • Current Status: Establishing a career in both acting and behind-the-scenes film production.

Colin Hanks: From Actor to 2025's Acclaimed Director

Colin Hanks, the eldest son, has successfully forged a career that balances mainstream acting with respected documentary filmmaking, moving far beyond the "son of Tom Hanks" label. His current slate of projects for 2025 highlights this versatility.

Major 2025 Projects:

In the acting world, Colin is set to appear in two highly anticipated projects. He is listed in the cast for the upcoming action sequel, *Nobody 2*, alongside Bob Odenkirk, slated for an August 2025 release. Additionally, he is involved in the historical drama *Nuremberg* (2025), further diversifying his filmography.

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However, it is his work behind the camera that has garnered significant recent attention. Colin directed the documentary *John Candy: I Like Me*, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in 2025. The film, which explores the life of the beloved comedian John Candy, was co-produced by Ryan Reynolds and is scheduled for an Amazon Prime Video release in late 2025. This directorial effort has positioned Colin not just as an actor, but as a serious, compelling storyteller in his own right, building on the success of his previous documentary work.

Chet Hanks: The Viral Persona and Controversial Career

Chester Marlon Hanks, known simply as Chet Hanks, is arguably the most recognizable and controversial of Tom Hanks' children. His career is a unique blend of acting, music (under the name Chet Haze), and leveraging his viral social media presence.

Chet has consistently courted controversy, which he has recently begun to turn into career momentum. He famously coined the phrase "White Boy Summer," which went viral across social media platforms. He has also faced legal issues, including being served with a lawsuit while celebrating his birthday, and has been outspoken about his anti-vaccine views.

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In a surprising career move, Chet has been leaning into his public image. He recently joked about playing a "media liability" in a hit Netflix series, suggesting he is self-aware and willing to use his controversial reputation to his advantage in his acting roles. This strategy allows him to capitalize on the public's fascination with his persona, maintaining a high level of visibility that many of his peers lack. His ongoing ability to generate headlines keeps him a constant subject of public curiosity and debate.

Truman and Elizabeth: The Quiet Achievers

While Colin and Chet dominate the headlines, Truman and Elizabeth Ann Hanks are forging successful, albeit less public, careers in different facets of the media industry.

Truman Hanks: The Dual-Role Filmmaker

Truman Theodore Hanks, the youngest son of Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, has chosen a path that emphasizes both technical skill and performance. After graduating from Stanford University in 2018, he began his career working as a camera trainee on set.

His crew experience is notable, including a digital utility role on the major Marvel Studios film *Black Widow*. This behind-the-scenes work provided him with a solid foundation before stepping into the spotlight. Truman has since taken on acting roles, often appearing alongside his father to gain experience. His acting debut was as the younger version of his father’s character in *A Man Called Otto* (2022). He also appeared in Wes Anderson's *Asteroid City* (2023) and *News of the World* (2020), demonstrating a clear commitment to a career in film.

Elizabeth Ann Hanks: The Respected Journalist

Tom Hanks' only daughter, Elizabeth Ann Hanks, has largely avoided the acting spotlight, instead becoming a respected writer and journalist. Using the pen name E. A. Hanks, she has contributed to a wide array of prestigious publications, cementing her topical authority in the media world.

Her work has appeared in *The Guardian*, *The New York Times*, *Vanity Fair*, and *TIME* magazine. This career path demonstrates a preference for intellectual pursuits and a deliberate effort to establish her own identity outside of the Hollywood machine. By focusing on journalism and writing, Elizabeth has successfully navigated the challenges of a celebrity lineage by choosing a profession where her own voice and intellect are the primary focus.

The collective careers of Tom Hanks’ children—Colin, Chet, Truman, and Elizabeth—paint a fascinating picture of legacy and individuality in Hollywood. From Colin's directorial ambitions and Chet’s viral fame to Truman’s dual-role filmmaking and Elizabeth’s respected journalism, each one is defining success on their own terms, proving that the Hanks name is a launchpad, not a limitation.